maintenanceplumbingwater-qualityequipment
How do you purge and clean a splash pad surge tank?
Quick answer
Drain the tank fully via the bottom drain, pressure-wash interior walls and baffles, vacuum sediment from the bottom, inspect coatings and sensors, refill with treated city water, and shock-chlorinate to 10 ppm before recirculation. Annual purge is required by most state codes.
The surge tank stores recirculated water between the pad surface and the treatment loop and is the most contamination-prone component of the system. Annual purge procedure: shut down recirculation, isolate the tank with influent and effluent valves, and drain through the bottom drain to a sanitary sewer (per local code — never to storm drains). Open the access hatch and pressure-wash the interior walls, baffles, and bottom with a turbo nozzle. Vacuum sediment from low points. Inspect interior coatings (epoxy or fiberglass) for cracks or peeling and repair before refilling. Inspect level sensors, overflow weirs, and float switches. Refill with treated city water and shock-chlorinate to 10 ppm chlorine for at least 4 hours, then circulate to clear before opening. Most state codes require annual purge documented in writing. Take photos for inspection records.